Latest Medicare Update May 31, 2006 at 08:05 PM

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May 31, 2006

Medicare Part D - What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline


What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline (The Payson Roundup)
Some Arizonans may have missed the deadline for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Many Arizona Medicare beneficiaries are already saving money on prescription drugs today, and AARP will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to improve the program.

Missed Part D deadline? Here's what to do (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
If you missed the Medicare drug plan deadline and don't meet certain low-income levels, you are likely out of luck.

Medicare Part D - Drug-Plan Benefit Caps Harm Members' Health (Health Scout) Study could


Drug-Plan Benefit Caps Harm Members' Health (Health Scout)
Study could hold warning for Medicare's new Part D, researchers say.

What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline (The Payson Roundup)
Some Arizonans may have missed the deadline for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Many Arizona Medicare beneficiaries are already saving money on prescription drugs today, and AARP will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to improve the program.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (SYS-CON Media)
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of this kind.

Medicare Enrollment Tips (Newsweek)
What you need to know to sign up for the Medicare Part D coverage plan.

Wells Belts Three Homers As Blue Jays Bombard BoSox (WMTW)


Wells Belts Three Homers As Blue Jays Bombard BoSox (WMTW)
Vernon Wells belted three home runs to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to an 8-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre.

Blue Cross' Medicare contract could mean hirings or layoffs (BizJournals)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas says it is creating a new subsidiary to position itself for the award of a Medicare contract that.

Oakland hospital, Blue Cross dig in heels over contract (Los Angeles Business)
Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland and Blue Cross of California have failed to reach an agreement on a new contract covering children in state-sponsored programs, potentially forcing thousands of kids to go elsewhere for non-emergency procedures after the contract ends June 1.

Going coast-to-coast for cancer patients (Baltimore Sun)
Riders raise money for Hopkins center Decked out in the blue and white skin-tight shorts that will be her primary clothing for the next two months, Kaylin Beck strapped on her helmet, mounted her bicycle and set off yesterday from the Inner Harbor with 26 other students on a cross-country ride to raise money for cancer patients.

Russia starts bird flu vaccine tests (AFP via Yahoo! News)


Russia starts bird flu vaccine tests (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Russia began testing two new vaccines against bird flu on 120 volunteers in Moscow with results expected at the end of August, the head of the state-owned company behind the project said.

Indonesian boy tests positive locally for bird flu (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
A 15-year-old Indonesian boy has tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu, a senior health ministry official said on Wednesday, citing results of a local laboratory.

Mystery, Iraqi Sheikh Cloud Hungary's Bird-Flu Shot (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
May 31 (Bloomberg) -- Hungary says it has invented an effective human vaccine against bird flu. The trouble is, the country can't seem to prove it.

Applying for Life Insurance? Be Sure to Tell Them Everything!


Applying for Life Insurance? Be Sure to Tell Them Everything! (Wellsville Daily Reporter)
(ARA) - The last time you filled out a job application, did you maybe stretch the truth a little about your responsibilities? A lot of people do it to make a better impression on a potential employer, but you better not do it on an application for life insurance!

Why You Can't Depend on Group Life Insurance (Wellsville Daily Reporter)
(ARA) - If you have a full time job, you may also be fortunate enough to have a free term life insurance policy through your employer. For most people, it's the equivalent of a year's salary. If you're lucky, it might even be as high as three times your annual salary.

Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans NEW!


Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans NEW!

Medicare Part D - Obey to speak about Medicare plans (Wausau Daily Herald) U.S.


Obey to speak about Medicare plans (Wausau Daily Herald)
U.S. Rep.Dave Obey, D-Wausau, will speak about the new Medicare prescription drug program on Thursday in Wausau. The event, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Marathon County Aging and Disability Resource Center, is open to anyone.

Missed Part D deadline? Here's what to do (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
If you missed the Medicare drug plan deadline and don't meet certain low-income levels, you are likely out of luck.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (FinanzNachrichten)
DALLAS, May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affiliated Computer Services, ( Nachrichten ) Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of

Katherine Leith: Medicare Part D may not cover all meds (The Herald-Sun)
Oops! I thought that last month's article on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP or Part D) would be the last one until the fall. Since there's updated information, here's yet another column.

Medicare Part D - Explaining Medicare D benefit kept COA busy (Westport Shorelines) Westport's


Explaining Medicare D benefit kept COA busy (Westport Shorelines)
Westport's Council on Aging helped 300 people figure out Medicare Part D over the past nine months, spending two to four hours with each client. Time ran out on May 15 for seniors to sign up for the new drug benefit plan.

Job done, Medicare center closes (Baltimore Sun)
County opened it in Jan. to aid those switching plans Mildred Hobbs was baffled.

Missed Part D deadline? Here's what to do (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
If you missed the Medicare drug plan deadline and don't meet certain low-income levels, you are likely out of luck.

Katherine Leith: Medicare Part D may not cover all meds (The Herald-Sun)
Oops! I thought that last month's article on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP or Part D) would be the last one until the fall. Since there's updated information, here's yet another column.

May 30, 2006

Medicare Part D - ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare


ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (FinanzNachrichten)
DALLAS, May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affiliated Computer Services, ( Nachrichten ) Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of

Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media)
On May 15th, 2006, the initial enrollment for the new Medicare Part D prescription program ended, as did most of the political bravado surrounding its dubious launch. To date over 7 million seniors have declined to enroll and of the 20 million that will participate, most will soon discover that their plans contain significant coverage gaps that require paying full price out-of-pocket.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS, a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D.

$3.7 Million To Tighten Medicare Part D Gap (The Tampa Tribune)
TALLAHASSEE - Federal officials promoting Medicare Part D say it provides unprecedented drug coverage to millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Medicare Part D - $3.7 Million To Tighten Medicare Part D Gap (The Tampa


$3.7 Million To Tighten Medicare Part D Gap (The Tampa Tribune)
TALLAHASSEE - Federal officials promoting Medicare Part D say it provides unprecedented drug coverage to millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Missed Part D deadline? Here's what to do (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
If you missed the Medicare drug plan deadline and don't meet certain low-income levels, you are likely out of luck.

What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline (The Payson Roundup)
Some Arizonans may have missed the deadline for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Many Arizona Medicare beneficiaries are already saving money on prescription drugs today, and AARP will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to improve the program.

South Georgians donate life this Memorial Day (WALB News 10)


South Georgians donate life this Memorial Day (WALB News 10)
Albany - Dozens of people took time during their holiday to save a life. In return, they got a sweet treat. The American Red Cross and Blue Bell Ice Cream are offering a pint for a pint this week. If you donate blood at the center in Albany or Valdosta, you'll get a pint of ice cream.

Children's, Blue Cross dig in heels over contract (BizJournals)
Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland and Blue Cross of California have failed to reach an agreement on a new contract covering children in state-sponsored programs, potentially forcing thousands of East Bay kids to go elsewhere for non-emergency procedures after the contract ends June 1.

Red Cross is storm ready (News Leader)
STAUNTON When Hurricane Katrina wiped out a swath of the Gulf Coast last year, dozens of evacuees were tossed all the way up to the Shenandoah Valley. Many ended up at the doors of the American Red Cross of the Blue Ridge in Staunton, asking for a hand.

Blue Cross' Medicare contract could mean hirings or layoffs (BizJournals)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas says it is creating a new subsidiary to position itself for the award of a Medicare contract that.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part D Possible Lockout (Fort Wayne News Channel 15)


Medicare Part D Possible Lockout (Fort Wayne News Channel 15)
(Ft. Wayne, In)- Those eligible for Medicare part D's prescription coverage who do not already have comprehensive coverage will be locked out of the program until January 2007 if they do not register by the May 15th deadline.

Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media)
On May 15th, 2006, the initial enrollment for the new Medicare Part D prescription program ended, as did most of the political bravado surrounding its dubious launch. To date over 7 million seniors have declined to enroll and of the 20 million that will participate, most will soon discover that their plans contain significant coverage gaps that require paying full price out-of-pocket.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (SYS-CON Media)
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of this kind.

Medicare Part D - Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media) On May


Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media)
On May 15th, 2006, the initial enrollment for the new Medicare Part D prescription program ended, as did most of the political bravado surrounding its dubious launch. To date over 7 million seniors have declined to enroll and of the 20 million that will participate, most will soon discover that their plans contain significant coverage gaps that require paying full price out-of-pocket.

What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline (The Payson Roundup)
Some Arizonans may have missed the deadline for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Many Arizona Medicare beneficiaries are already saving money on prescription drugs today, and AARP will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to improve the program.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (FinanzNachrichten)
DALLAS, May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affiliated Computer Services, ( Nachrichten ) Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of

Shaw and AARP endorse Medicare fairness act (Boca Raton News)


Shaw and AARP endorse Medicare fairness act (Boca Raton News)
Congressman Clay Shaw (R-Fort Lauderdale) has announced his support for the "Medicare Fairness Act," new legislation that would eliminate the late enrollment penalty for seniors who missed the May 15 deadline for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program.

Medicare tells insurers to nix drug card logos (AP via Yahoo! News)
Insurers participating in the Medicare drug benefit were told by the government Wednesday they can't issue identification cards next year that feature logos of big pharmacies.

Medicare drug benefit viewed as work in progress (The Olympian)
WASHINGTON The Medicare prescription drug benefit has been cursed for its failures and celebrated for its triumphs. The program s flaws and shortcomings were exposed early and often in the first few months after its January launch.

'Co-Branding' Will Be Allowed for Medicare Drug Plans, Says CMS Clarification (Senior Journal)
May 25, 2006 A report yesterday that Medicare drug plans will not be allowed to "co-brand" their plans with pharmacies or other outside organizations, like AARP, has been clarified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, says KaiserNet.org.

May 29, 2006

Medicare Part D - Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media) On May


Canadian Online Pharmacies Fill-In Medicare Gaps (SYS-CON Media)
On May 15th, 2006, the initial enrollment for the new Medicare Part D prescription program ended, as did most of the political bravado surrounding its dubious launch. To date over 7 million seniors have declined to enroll and of the 20 million that will participate, most will soon discover that their plans contain significant coverage gaps that require paying full price out-of-pocket.

Explaining Medicare D benefit kept COA busy (Westport Shorelines)
Westport's Council on Aging helped 300 people figure out Medicare Part D over the past nine months, spending two to four hours with each client. Time ran out on May 15 for seniors to sign up for the new drug benefit plan.

Lewiston may get new medical center for Medicaid, Medicare patients (KXLY-TV Spokane)
LEWISTON -- Lewiston may be in line for a new medical center that treats patients who are insured by Medicaid and Medicare.

Medicare Part D - Questions Remain as Medicare Part D Enrollment Ends; Century Foundation


Questions Remain as Medicare Part D Enrollment Ends; Century Foundation Fellow Provides Analysis of Prescription Drug (U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News)
Last week's enrollment deadline for Medicare Part D marks the end of what has been a tumultuous first stage in the new prescription drug plan. While seniors have signed up in much greater numbers in recent weeks, the future of this complex and unwieldy benefit remains unclear.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS, a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D.

South Georgians donate life this Memorial Day (WALB News 10)


South Georgians donate life this Memorial Day (WALB News 10)
Albany - Dozens of people took time during their holiday to save a life. In return, they got a sweet treat. The American Red Cross and Blue Bell Ice Cream are offering a pint for a pint this week. If you donate blood at the center in Albany or Valdosta, you'll get a pint of ice cream.

Red Cross is storm ready (News Leader)
STAUNTON When Hurricane Katrina wiped out a swath of the Gulf Coast last year, dozens of evacuees were tossed all the way up to the Shenandoah Valley. Many ended up at the doors of the American Red Cross of the Blue Ridge in Staunton, asking for a hand.

Health insurers fined for slow payments (The Buffalo News)
State insurance regulators have fined 21 health insurers - including HealthNow New York and Excellus Blue Cross and Blue Shield - a total of $266,600 for not paying insurance claims promptly.

Demo of the Prescription Drug Plan Finder NEW!


Demo of the Prescription Drug Plan Finder NEW!

Medicare Part D - Explaining Medicare D benefit kept COA busy (Westport Shorelines) Westport's


Explaining Medicare D benefit kept COA busy (Westport Shorelines)
Westport's Council on Aging helped 300 people figure out Medicare Part D over the past nine months, spending two to four hours with each client. Time ran out on May 15 for seniors to sign up for the new drug benefit plan.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (SYS-CON Media)
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of this kind.

ACS Announces Solution for Employer Retiree Prescription Programs under Medicare Part D (FinanzNachrichten)
DALLAS, May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affiliated Computer Services, ( Nachrichten ) Inc. , a premier provider of business process outsourcing and information technology solutions, announced today the launch of CARDS(SM), a consulting and administrative solution for employers that retained their retiree prescription drug programs under Medicare Part D. ACS is first to market with a solution of

Medicare Part D - What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline


What to do if you missed Medicare Part D deadline (The Payson Roundup)
Some Arizonans may have missed the deadline for enrolling in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Many Arizona Medicare beneficiaries are already saving money on prescription drugs today, and AARP will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to improve the program.

Questions Remain as Medicare Part D Enrollment Ends; Century Foundation Fellow Provides Analysis of Prescription Drug (U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News)
Last week's enrollment deadline for Medicare Part D marks the end of what has been a tumultuous first stage in the new prescription drug plan. While seniors have signed up in much greater numbers in recent weeks, the future of this complex and unwieldy benefit remains unclear.

Additional information in this months archive:


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